Ronnie Jackson v. the State of Texas
02-24-00050-CR
Tex. App.Jun 5, 2025Background
- Ronnie Jackson Jr. stole a Dodge Journey, and two days later, led police on a dangerous high-speed chase in Fort Worth, Texas.
- During the chase, Jackson, driving the Dodge Journey, struck a police officer, Officer Matthew Brazeal, who was attempting to deploy stop sticks, causing significant injury.
- Jackson fled the scene but was tracked down and arrested near the stolen vehicle, with evidence tying him directly to the car and scene (DNA, fingerprints, and possession of vehicle keys).
- Jackson was charged with multiple offenses; however, the State elected to proceed only on the charge of aggravated assault of a public servant with a deadly weapon.
- A jury convicted Jackson, and he was sentenced to life in prison; his motion for new trial was overruled by operation of law.
- On appeal, Jackson challenged the sufficiency of the evidence on two grounds: that he was the driver and that he acted intentionally or knowingly.
Issues
| Issue | Jackson's Argument | State's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether there was sufficient proof Jackson was the driver | Evidence did not establish Jackson was driving | Circumstantial & forensic evidence cumulatively identified Jackson | Sufficient evidence Jackson was the driver |
| Whether Jackson acted intentionally or knowingly | Insufficient evidence of intent to strike officer | Witness testimony and circumstances showed deliberate actions | Sufficient evidence of intent or knowledge |
Key Cases Cited
- Jackson v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307 (1979) (establishing the standard for sufficiency of the evidence in criminal cases)
- Queeman v. State, 520 S.W.3d 616 (Tex. Crim. App. 2017) (restating sufficiency review standard)
- Braughton v. State, 569 S.W.3d 592 (Tex. Crim. App. 2018) (instructing courts to consider cumulative force of all evidence in sufficiency reviews)
- Villa v. State, 514 S.W.3d 227 (Tex. Crim. App. 2017) (prohibits "divide and conquer" in reviewing sufficiency of evidence)
- Smith v. State, 56 S.W.3d 739 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 2001, pet. ref'd) (identity may be proven by direct or circumstantial evidence)